PCB Libraries Forum : Questions & Answers https://www.PCBLibraries.com/forum/ Sun, 24 May 2026 18:43:16 +0000 Fri, 22 May 2026 11:46:04 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 12.07 30 https://www.PCBLibraries.com/forum/RSS_topic_feed.asp?FID=34 <![CDATA[PCB Libraries Forum]]> https://www.PCBLibraries.com/forum/forum_images/PCBLForumLogo.gif https://www.PCBLibraries.com/forum/ <![CDATA[Questions & Answers : PCB Expert Feature Missing?]]> https://www.PCBLibraries.com/forum/pcb-expert-feature-missing_topic3647_post14549.html#14549 Author: Alex Quilty
Subject: PCB Expert Feature Missing?
Posted: 22 May 2026 at 11:46am

Ah! I figured it out. 

I didn't realize that I needed to activate it with the code on the download page.. 

Sorry Tom, and thank you for your time and help!

]]> Fri, 22 May 2026 11:46:04 +0000 https://www.PCBLibraries.com/forum/pcb-expert-feature-missing_topic3647_post14549.html#14549 <![CDATA[Questions & Answers : PCB Expert Feature Missing?]]> https://www.PCBLibraries.com/forum/pcb-expert-feature-missing_topic3647_post14548.html#14548 Author: Tom H
Subject: PCB Expert Feature Missing?
Posted: 22 May 2026 at 11:30am

Are you sure you got this? 


 
We don't show that you are using this licensed product. 

We tested that all features are working as intended. 
 
]]> Fri, 22 May 2026 11:30:34 +0000 https://www.PCBLibraries.com/forum/pcb-expert-feature-missing_topic3647_post14548.html#14548 <![CDATA[Questions & Answers : PCB Expert Feature Missing?]]> https://www.PCBLibraries.com/forum/pcb-expert-feature-missing_topic3647_post14547.html#14547 Author: Alex Quilty
Subject: PCB Expert Feature Missing?
Posted: 22 May 2026 at 11:24am

Yes I installed the latest version this morning. 

So when I click "Demo" on say the Chip land pattern in Surface Mount, I use to be able to change just the dimensions of the Chip calculator and now they are greyed out and do not allow change.

Unless I am installing the wrong edition?
https://www.pcblibraries.com/Downloads/FPX!Footprint_Expert_26-05_Calculator.asp

]]> Fri, 22 May 2026 11:24:38 +0000 https://www.PCBLibraries.com/forum/pcb-expert-feature-missing_topic3647_post14547.html#14547 <![CDATA[Questions & Answers : PCB Expert Feature Missing?]]> https://www.PCBLibraries.com/forum/pcb-expert-feature-missing_topic3647_post14546.html#14546 Author: Tom H
Subject: PCB Expert Feature Missing?
Posted: 22 May 2026 at 10:58am

Are you using the free V26.05 Footprint Expert Calculator? 

]]> Fri, 22 May 2026 10:58:08 +0000 https://www.PCBLibraries.com/forum/pcb-expert-feature-missing_topic3647_post14546.html#14546 <![CDATA[Questions & Answers : PCB Expert Feature Missing?]]> https://www.PCBLibraries.com/forum/pcb-expert-feature-missing_topic3647_post14545.html#14545 Author: Alex Quilty
Subject: PCB Expert Feature Missing?
Posted: 22 May 2026 at 10:38am

In the past I was able to click Demo for a particular pattern and adjust all of the dimensions to see the result but not change density or other options (due to no license, ie free use). 

I can no longer do this though. Was this intended? 

Is it possible for those of us using the free features of the software to get this feature back?

]]> Fri, 22 May 2026 10:38:06 +0000 https://www.PCBLibraries.com/forum/pcb-expert-feature-missing_topic3647_post14545.html#14545 <![CDATA[Questions & Answers : Inward L-Bend Terminal Leads for Pad Length]]> https://www.PCBLibraries.com/forum/inward-lbend-terminal-leads-for-pad-length_topic3646_post14541.html#14541 Author: Tom H
Subject: Inward L-Bend Terminal Leads for Pad Length
Posted: 21 May 2026 at 11:37am

The Inward L-Bend is similar to the J-Lead component family but with flat leads that bend inward. 

The E2 dimension is to the center of the terminal leads. You may have to do some math to figure that out. 

This component family and terminal lead are in the new Footprint Expert Guideline which will be released next week. 

]]> Thu, 21 May 2026 11:37:51 +0000 https://www.PCBLibraries.com/forum/inward-lbend-terminal-leads-for-pad-length_topic3646_post14541.html#14541 <![CDATA[Questions & Answers : Inward L-Bend Terminal Leads for Pad Length]]> https://www.PCBLibraries.com/forum/inward-lbend-terminal-leads-for-pad-length_topic3646_post14539.html#14539 Author: ransonjd
Subject: Inward L-Bend Terminal Leads for Pad Length
Posted: 21 May 2026 at 10:48am

What is used to calculate the pad length on parts with inward bent leads? 

(J-Lead, L-lead, PLCC, etc.) 

As far as I can see, the software doesn't provide a field for the measurement of the inward extent of the leads on these parts. (Like L on SOPs, but inward.)

Additionally, what is E2 supposed to measure on an L-lead part?

Thanks!
]]> Thu, 21 May 2026 10:48:19 +0000 https://www.PCBLibraries.com/forum/inward-lbend-terminal-leads-for-pad-length_topic3646_post14539.html#14539 <![CDATA[Questions & Answers : Collapsing vs: Non-Collapsing BGA Balls]]> https://www.PCBLibraries.com/forum/collapsing-vs-noncollapsing-bga-balls_topic1868_post14531.html#14531 Author: Tom H
Subject: Collapsing vs: Non-Collapsing BGA Balls
Posted: 12 May 2026 at 8:01am

The Non-Collapsing BGA calculator is used on fine pitch parts when you can't fanout all the pins in the PCB layout and you're only fanout option is via-in-pad. 

Non-Collapsing BGA pads are bigger then collapsing BGA pads to allow an annular ring for the drilling process. 

Also, if you need to solder mask define the BGA pad to pass drop tests, the solder mask will help with the pad attachment to the prepreg. During drop tests, the ball to pad joint will withstand a drop test, but a non solder mask defined pad could rip away from the prepreg causing the device to malfunction. 


]]> Tue, 12 May 2026 08:01:54 +0000 https://www.PCBLibraries.com/forum/collapsing-vs-noncollapsing-bga-balls_topic1868_post14531.html#14531 <![CDATA[Questions & Answers : Collapsing vs: Non-Collapsing BGA Balls]]> https://www.PCBLibraries.com/forum/collapsing-vs-noncollapsing-bga-balls_topic1868_post14530.html#14530 Author: m.elsayed
Subject: Collapsing vs: Non-Collapsing BGA Balls
Posted: 11 May 2026 at 8:29pm

Is the information on collapsing or non collapsing be mentioned in supplier datasheets?

Or does it just depend on the pin pitch value only?

Also is the pitch value found in IPC-7352 standard?

]]> Mon, 11 May 2026 20:29:25 +0000 https://www.PCBLibraries.com/forum/collapsing-vs-noncollapsing-bga-balls_topic1868_post14530.html#14530 <![CDATA[Questions & Answers : Master Options File or CAD Tool Translator Issue]]> https://www.PCBLibraries.com/forum/master-options-file-or-cad-tool-translator-issue_topic3637_post14512.html#14512 Author: Nick B
Subject: Master Options File or CAD Tool Translator Issue
Posted: 16 Apr 2026 at 5:24pm

If you experience one of these issues:
  1. Footprint Expert installation is overwriting your Master Options file, or
  2. CAD tool translator is not working correctly
It is probably because you are using the same OPT options file as both your "CAD tool translator" OPT file and "Master Options" file. These two are separate files. As a matter of fact, there are three OPT option files:


1. Console Options - edit in Tools > Options


2. Master Options - edit in Tools  > Options


3. CAD Tool Options - edit in the "Build Footprint" window

]]> Thu, 16 Apr 2026 17:24:43 +0000 https://www.PCBLibraries.com/forum/master-options-file-or-cad-tool-translator-issue_topic3637_post14512.html#14512